Freeman Chari, a former CCC activist and sponsor, recently posted a sobering reflection on X, shedding light on the harsh realities of opposition activism in Zimbabwe.
In his post, Chari lamented the plight of activists who, after dedicating themselves to the cause, find themselves abandoned and ostracized when the consequences of their actions come to bear. His reflection was prompted by the surprising reaction to opposition stalwart Jameson Timba’s post on social media, announcing his release from prison. Ironically, many supporters seemed unaware that Timba had already been released weeks earlier, on November 27, 2024.
Chari highlighted the troubling case of musician Thomas Mapfumo, who once turned down a house and car offered by businessman Wicknell Chivhayo to appease opposition zealots. When Mapfumo’s home burned to the ground, those same supporters failed to rally behind him. This, according to Chari, is emblematic of a broader pattern in opposition politics: activists often make personal sacrifices for the cause, only to face neglect and rejection when they need support the most.
The history of Zimbabwe’s opposition is littered with similar stories of activists left to suffer alone. Job Sikhala, once a vocal opposition figure, emerged from prison to find his family broken, his political career in ruins, and his reputation tarnished. At Moreblessing Ali’s funeral, he was labeled a sellout by his own party members. Hopewell Chin’ono, who endured imprisonment, is now vilified by the same opposition he once staunchly defended. Makomborero Haruzivishe suffered imprisonment and isolation, while the ZINASU 7, whose activism disrupted their studies, were quickly forgotten.
Innocent Chibaya currently languishes in prison without visible support, and hundreds of MDC activists jailed during the 2019 protests for looting and violence served their sentences in isolation. The Glen View trio—Last Maengahama, Tungamirai Madzokere, and Yvonne Musarurwa—endured lengthy prison terms for the murder of a policeman, only to face segregation upon their release. Many others, including opposition supporters killed in political violence, remain nameless and forgotten.
Chari also pointed to figures like Kuda “Begotten Son” Musasiwa and former opposition allies such as Professor Jonathan Moyo, who invested time, energy, and resources into supporting Nelson Chamisa’s campaigns, only to be ostracized and labeled enemies. These instances reveal a troubling trend where opposition leaders appear to exploit the loyalty of their supporters without reciprocating when those supporters face challenges.
The most infuriating aspect, Chari noted, is that opposition leaders and their families rarely engage in the same risky behaviors they encourage in their followers. Instead, they live comfortably while others face imprisonment, violence, or worse. Nelson Chamisa himself has insulted his supporters, calling them “stupid” for participating in the 2018 demonstrations and dismissing his CCC councilors as “tomfoolers.”
As the year draws to a close, Chari’s reflection serves as a warning to gullible opposition supporters. It highlights the thankless and costly nature of activism, urging individuals to prioritize their families and futures over risking their lives for leaders who may neglect them when it matters most. For many, opposition activism is a lonely and cold road paved with betrayal and abandonment—a lesson worth pondering as Zimbabwe enters another political chapter.
